Glasgow gives go-ahead for 'tourist tax' on visitors

Visitors to Glasgow will be charged an average of £4.83 per night extra for accommodation after councillors approved a new "tourist tax" for the city.

The visitor levy, which is due to come into force in January 2027, will charge 5% on overnight stays.

It comes after Edinburgh councillors approved a similar charge in January and will cover hotels, hostels, guest houses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

The local authority hopes to raise around £16m per year via the tax, which it says will go towards infrastructure improvements and events in the city.

Several other regions in Scotland are looking at similar plans, with proposals from Highland and Argyll and Bute council.

This week Comhairle nan Eilean Siar paused plans to introduce a similar visitor levy, following strong public opposition and concerns.

South Ayrshire Council also abandoned plans for a tourist tax in the region, as only 15% of respondents in a public consultation supported the proposal compared to 79% against.

Glasgow accommodation providers would be liable for the levy and required to submit quarterly reports - with potential penalties for non-compliant organisations.

Businesses would retain 1.5% of the funds collected to cover their own costs.

Report by Sarah Hilley at the Local Democracy Reporting Service.